Family and friends greet HMAS Success as she returns to her homeport of Fleet Base East, Sydney, after a five-month deployment through South East Asia and the Pacific.

HMAS Success returned to Fleet Base East on August 24 after a five month deployment to South East Asia and the Pacific, in support of Indo Pacific Endeavour and Exercise RIMPAC 18.

The RAN’s ‘Battle Tanker’ visited eight ports in seven nations, participated in two international exercises, contributed to numerous regional engagement activities, conducted 60 Replenishment at Sea evolutions and travelled 19,000 nautical miles in the process.

For Leading Seaman Marine Technician Clinton Hamblin the ships return was an emotional one.

“Coming home means more this time than others, as it’s the first time I’ve been able to hold my son Harry, who was born in June. Seeing baby Harry is pretty emotional for me, my wife Cindy and our daughters, Sophia and Lyla.

“Also this was my last trip in the Navy. The Navy’s given me a lot of life experience, it’s let me see many parts of the world and introduced me to some lifelong friends. It’s also given me a trade that I will be using to start a new career in Brisbane,” LS Hamblin said.

Commanding Officer of Success, Commander Grant Zilko, said the efforts by the crew contributed to a highly successful deployment.

“The commitment to duty and maintenance of professional standards set by Success’s ship’s company over the course of the deployment was outstanding.

“Their combined efforts contributed to the highly effective achievement of the mission, strengthening of international relationships with Australia’s partners, as well as forging close friendships,” CMDR Zilko said.

CMDR Zilko was equally as excited to return home to meet his daughter Claire’s first born son Frederick, his second grandchild.

Success now enters a short external maintenance period before proceeding underway in the New Year. Next year’s deployment will be her last prior to decommissioning in 2019, signifying the end of a proud and long serving history to the RAN.